Front shifter problem
 

Hi!

I'm having some problems with my 3-speed front shifter. There are basically two problems.

One, when I shift from the smallest to the middle chain-ring. I sometimes get a kind of "micro shift" the derailleur moves a bit to much, and the chain starts rubbing against the inside of the cage. This can be remedied by pushing the down-shift lever so the cage moves down a couple of millimeters.

Two, when I shift from the largest chain-ring the chain jumps directly to the smallest chain-ring.

The thing is both of these problems are rather random. I can adjust the derailleur on the stand (or hanging from the ceiling in my case) and everything works great. But sooner or later one of the above things happen, and i have to readjust the derailleur again.

I'm beginning to suspect there is something shifty;) going on in the front shifter.
So my question is, does anyone know how to open one of these shifters?
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...e/DSC_1574.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...e/DSC_1572.jpg

I bought my son a used MTB last year with these same shifters and the front wasn't functional when we got it. I took the shifter apart (pull the screw, loosen the shifter wire and it can be taken apart pretty easily) and used WD-40 and needle-nose pliers to get all of the cams and levers moving smoothly (I had to work a couple of parts numerous times before they were really moving freely enough to shift properly). Worked great every since.

+1

Take the derailleur apart and make sure everything is smooth and sexy.

Thanks for the advice. Gonna try to take it apart and clean it up.

I would experiment with tweaking/cleaning them, but I wouldn't put too much hope in them because those early Shimano shifters with the up and down buttons on the same side are unreliable parts -- in my experience.